Giannis Antetokounmpo Shares 3-Word Message On Lakers' Luka Doncic Trade

Mar 13, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo is easily one of the most accomplished players currently playing in the NBA.

The 2021 NBA Champion is a Finals MVP, two-time league MVP winner, nine-time All-Star, a former NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner, a four-time NBA All-Defense First Team member, and a nine-time All-NBA selection. Turning 31 this December, there's a strong likelihood Antetokounmpo will continue adding to these accolades.

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For as good as Antetokounmpo is, that doesn't mean he's exempt from being shocked at things occurring within the NBA landscape. In an interview with Greek journalist Harris Stavrou, the two spoke at length about a number of topics.

When the subject of Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic came up, Antetokounmpo admittedly was shocked by seeing the Slovenian star dealt from Dallas.

Giannis’ first reaction to the Luka trade:

“I sh*t myself.”

(via @harris_stavrou) pic.twitter.com/xGpVdno5JW

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 23, 2025

"I was having my treatment, when a friend told me Doncic became a Laker. I was shocked. I s*it myself. If Luka is traded, everybody can be traded. He took his team in the Finals. And it's Luka Doncic. He is 26 [years old]."

This is an interesting quote from Antetokounmpo on more than one level. There could be a part of his narrative where Antetokounmpo believes a Lakers-led team with Doncic and LeBron James could become a serious thorn in the side of the Milwaukee Bucks as they aim to get back to the NBA Finals.

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Additionally, this could also sit in the realm of what Antetokounmpo said — where there's real surprise over a player that appeared to be a 'lifer' for his franchise suddenly jettisoned elsewhere even after leading that team to some massive success.

Giannis Antetokounmpo on his reaction when Luka was traded: "I was having my treatment, when a friend told me Doncic became a Laker. I was shocked. I shit myself. If Luka is traded, everybody can be traded. He took his team in the Finals. And it's Luka Doncic. He is 26" - SPORT24

— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) September 23, 2025

Perhaps Antetokounmpo is thinking subconsciously about his standing with the Bucks — and the rumors that he too could be soon out the door?

Giannis Antetokounmpo on the "best player in the world" conversation: "It's the eye test, what you prefer to watch. I believe me, Luka, Jokic, SGA and Tatum are the TOP5 right now. I prefer two-way players, I like Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, Kawhi. I like dogs" - SPORT24

— Harris Stavrou (@harris_stavrou) September 23, 2025

Antetokounmpo has been steadfast this offseason in warding off the rumors that he does want out of Milwaukee. Given what he means to the franchise, one would think the Bucks plan on keeping him for the foreseeable future.

Having said that, Doncic surely felt the same with his situation in Dallas.

Milwaukee has practically no draft capital and a mess of a contract situation moving forward. If the Bucks can't morph into a realistic title contender this year, the reality of trading Antetokounmpo elsewhere to reboot the franchise with younger talent could suddenly rise to the surface.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.